Baking Soda for Heartburn

Health practitioners commonly accept baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, to be effective in providing temporary, occasional relief of acid reflux. It works because it has an alkaline pH, which helps to neutralize the acidity in your stomach, working in a similar manner to many over-the-counter antacids. Consult your physician before using baking soda regularly, as it can affect the absorption of many medications, and is high in sodium. In addition, sodium bicarbonate is not safe for long-term use, and is only recommended for acute periods of reflux lasting for less than two weeks. Sodium bicarbonate is available in tablets and effervescent powder, as well as the standard powder you can buy at any grocery store. If you are in a pinch, a half teaspoon of baking soda mixed in at least 125 mL (½ cup) of water may provide a quick relief of symptoms. This treatment is not recommended for pregnant women.

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